September 14, 2026

This Week...

Apply to vote by mail in the 2026 General Local Election, youth artists are invited to join a free information session and register for Fall GoByBike week. Read on for more!
Illustration of a red Canada Post-style mailbox beside a mail-in voting envelope labeled “Nanaimo Votes” with a checkmark. A blue banner at the bottom displays the website “www.nanaimo.ca/elections” and the City of Nanaimo logo, promoting mail-in voting information for local elections.

Nanaimo Votes 2026: Vote by Mail Available

Eligible electors can choose to vote by mail in the 2026 General Local Election instead of voting in person.

To vote by mail, you must meet all voting requirements as either a resident elector or non-resident property elector when your mail ballot is completed and mailed.

Apply today!

đź“… Apply in person at Legislative Services (455 Wallace Street)
📧 Email: elections@nanaimo.ca
đź’» Download the application form online: www.nanaimo.ca/elections

Mail ballot packages will be available in early October.
Illustration of a red Canada Post-style mailbox beside a mail-in voting envelope labeled “Nanaimo Votes” with a checkmark. A blue banner at the bottom displays the website “www.nanaimo.ca/elections” and the City of Nanaimo logo, promoting mail-in voting information for local elections.

Nomination Period Closed

The nomination period for the 2026 General Local Election has ended and the Chief Election Officer has declared the candidates. [Number] candidates have been declared for the position of Mayor and [number] candidates have been declared for the position of Councillor. 

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, electors in the City of Nanaimo will elect one mayor and eight councillors. Two advance polls will be held in the Beban Social Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, October 7 and October 14, 2026. General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026, and eleven voting locations will be open for voters to choose from.

LEARN MORE
Three pairs of decorative street banners displayed on light poles, showcasing winning public art designs from 2024 to 2026. From left to right: a colorful abstract landscape featuring a twisting red tree under a moonlit sky and beside blue water (Solana Van De Leur, 2026); a geometric abstract design with blue, green, orange, and yellow angular shapes radiating outward (Aiym Samay-Sampson, 2025); and a vibrant orange and purple nature-themed design featuring marine life, birds, trees, and a stylized sun (Amy Pye, 2024). Caption below reads: “Left to Right: Solana Van De Leur (2026), Aiym Samay-Sampson (2025), Amy Pye (2024).”

Information Session: 2027 Street Banner Program Call to Youth Artists

Join us for a free drop-in information session and learn more about the City of Nanaimo's 2027 Street Banner Program and the Call to Youth Artists (ages 19 and under). This is your opportunity to meet the Culture Coordinator, ask questions, explore the theme The Art of Belonging: Youth Perspectives on Home and get support developing your ideas before applying. The selected artist will receive a $2,500 honorarium, with their artwork displayed on street banners throughout Nanaimo in 2027.

  • Tuesday, September 15, 2026
  • 4:30 to 6 pm (Drop in any time!)
  • Bowen Complex, Room 5 (500 Bowen Rd.)

LEARN MORE
Header for Around Town section
Promotional graphic for GoByBike Week featuring two people riding blue shared e-bikes on a park pathway in front of large “NANAIMO” letters. Trees, green space, water, and high-rise buildings are visible in the background. Text reads: “GoByBikeBC. Register today for your chance to win exciting prizes, take part in exclusive events and cut down on emissions. Don’t miss out, join the movement toward a cleaner, more rewarding future!” Additional text states: “Fall GoByBike Week, September 19 to 25, 2026.” The City of Nanaimo logo appears at the bottom.

Get Ready to Pedal, Nanaimo

Fall GoByBike Week is five days away! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, there's something for everyone who participate in active transportation. Check out our celebration stations across the city, grab some free goodies and enjoy various activities

September 19: Kick-off Event, VIU RCB plaza (by the bus exchange), with food, drinks, and giveaways from 12 to 4 pm.

Celebration Stations:

  • September 22: Bayview/SEED, by the new trail and 5th street from 4 to 6 pm
  • September 23: NRGH, Boundary Ave from 6:30 to 8:30 am
  • September 24: Boundary Ave/Northfield Rd from 6:30 to 8:30 am
  • September 25: Group ride with critical mass, meet at Diana Krall Plaza at 6 pm

The wrap-up event will take place on September 26 from 3 to 7 pm. Participants will meet at the main parking lot at Colliery Dam Park before heading out together for a group ride to Big Bang Cidery.

LEARN MORE
Automated garbage truck collecting curbside recycling in a residential neighbourhood.

Trying out Electric for Curbside Collection

This summer, our sanitation team got to test out some nifty-looking all-electric collection trucks. They received hands-on training and tested them out on some routes. 

READ MORE
Historic black-and-white photograph of a long-distance runner on a roadside shoulder during the Terry Fox Run. The image is framed by a bright red border with the words “TERRY FOX RUN” across the top and “FORT CANCER RESEARCH” running vertically along both sides. Cars and trees appear in the background, emphasizing the runner’s journey along a highway.

Terry Fox Run, 2026

The Terry Fox Run takes place on Sunday, September 20 at Bowen Park near the Upper Picnic Shelter. Registration begins at 9 am, with the run starting at 10 am. Join this inspiring annual tradition that unites communities in support of cancer research and celebrates Terry Fox’s enduring legacy.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to take part, raise funds, and make a difference while enjoying the scenic trails and natural beauty of Bowen Park alongside family, friends, and fellow community members.

TERRY FOX FOUNDATION
Two people skating on an indoor ice rink between bright pink training cones. One person skates while holding the rink boards, and another skates independently nearby. The rink boards and glass are visible in the background, with a blue textured border and colorful accent lines framing the image.

Lions Free Skate

The first Lions Free Skate of the season begins on Sunday, September 20, from 12 to 1:30 pm at Frank Crane Arena. These popular weekly skates are made possible through the generous support of the Lions Club of Nanaimo, Alexandra’s Bistro, GFL, Little Valley Restoration and Collision, London Drugs, Nanaimo Hearing Clinic, Roto Rooter, Trish Turnbull of RE/MAX, and Widsten Property Management Services. Admission and skate rentals are free, making this a fun, affordable opportunity for families, friends and community members of all ages to get active and enjoy time on the ice together.

LEARN MORE
Promotional graphic for “Active Together Saturdays.” Large red text reads “Active Together Saturdays” beside a sign-up button graphic. Text below states: “For families with children that have diverse abilities. Run by our Camp Sunsation leaders.” The image features illustrations of several children standing and playing together against a light grey background with pink cloud accents.

Active Together Saturdays

“Active Together Saturdays” is a new program for children and youth with diverse abilities led by trained staff from our Camp Sunsation program. Join us each Saturday until December 5, 11 am to 12:30 pm at Oliver Woods Community Centre.

Register in advance with barcode 175388.

REGISTER
Promotional graphic for “Play & Learn” programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years offered by Parks, Recreation & Culture. The collage features wooden blocks spelling “PLAY,” a young child walking through autumn leaves in a park, children participating in classroom activities, and a child seated at a table working with colorful craft materials. Large text at the top reads: “PLAY & LEARN for ages 18 months-5 years with Parks, Recreation & Culture.”

Play and Learn Programs

We offer a variety of Play and Learn programs designed to support the growth, creativity, and development of preschool-aged children in a fun and engaging environment. New this season is Petits Lapins, a French-language program for children ages 4 to 5, held at Beban Park. Families are encouraged to explore our Fall and Winter Activity Guide to discover the full range of programs, schedules and opportunities available this season.
A dancer in a flowing beige costume performs on a dark stage beneath a projection of a star-filled night sky. The performer is captured in a dynamic pose with outstretched arms and bent knees, illuminated by warm stage lighting that contrasts with the blue and black cosmic backdrop.

Culture Grants

Join one of the upcoming Culture Grants Information Sessions, beginning September 18, to learn more about City of Nanaimo funding opportunities and how to prepare a strong application. The sessions will provide an overview of available grant streams, eligibility requirements, application processes and an opportunity to ask questions of Culture & Events staff. Funding opportunities include the 1 Year Operating Grant, Project Grant, and Downtown Event Revitalization Funding (DERF) programs, which support Nanaimo’s vibrant arts, culture, heritage, and event sectors.

Photo: Spine of Mother Chris Randle and Media Artist Design Sammy Chien with Tahsa Faye Evans | Courtesy of Crimson Coast Dance Society

LEARN MORE
Trees from the ground perspective

Tree Voucher Program

Did you know if you are a registered property owner in the City of Nanaimo, you can participate in our tree voucher program? This means you can purchase a tree to plant in the ground on your property for a reduced cost of $25 each.

LEARN MORE
Header for City construction section

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

  • Storm sewer upgrades on Kenworth Road from Shenton Road to the end will require single-lane alternating traffic from Monday to Thursday between 7 am and 6 pm.

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Header for City Job Postings section

Work With Us!

We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions:

  • Fire Training Technician
  • Active Transportation Project Specialist (TFT)
  • Manager, Development Engineering
  • Human Resources Advisor (TFT)
  • Lifeguard/Instructor
  • Engineering Development Technician
  • Casuals, Police Services
  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Urban Forester
  • Financial Analyst
  • Engineering Development Technician (TFT)
  • Casual Pool - Custodian Relief
  • Community Safety Officers
  • Water Technician
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors

JOB POSTINGS
header for city news section
City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Nanaimo Votes 2026: Nomination period closed for 2026 General Local Election

CITY NEWSROOM

Stay up to Date with the City